Virgin of the Poor

Today, the Feast of Elizabeth's Visitation to the Blessed Virgin Mary also coincides with "the 75th anniversary of the apparitions of the “Virgin of the Poor” at the Marian Shrine in Banneux" (Vatican Radio). According to the source article for this post "The pope remarked that the happy coincidence of the anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin of the Poor with the annual Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an opportunity to help the faithful with the example and prayers of Our Lady to continue on the path of spiritual renewal and to appreciate that the “precept of charity” spurs us on in a diligent service to others in daily life" (Vatican Radio).

The Pope recognizes the need for the Blessed Virgin Mary and her intercession for us in heaven for spiritual renewal. Today we live in a society that is becoming secularized--Godless. It is appropriate then, for us, believers in Christ and Catholics, to flock to our Blessed Mother for her intercession so a spiritual renewal may happen! If no one is to pray for the state of our society then how is society going to be changed. It begins with both you and me! To be completely honest, I complain. I complain when I see the government is doing something against my values. One downfall of my constant complaining is that it leads me to judge, to judge people, institutions, motives, etc. I complain about my college and how it isn't the ideal Catholic college that I'd like it to be. The result is me judging the President and others. I complain about liberal theology, that contradicts Church teaching and as I result I judge the professors, whether their priests or not. I complain about the immoral behavior of students in the res halls and how ungodly it is and as a result I judge them.

But I have to ask myself how many times in my complaining, in my judging, did I afterwards pray for the college and its leadership or for the professors, or for the students. How often have I prayed for the conversion of these individuals? In my general prayers each day I pray for the conversion of my college campus and its students but I don't use my time of complaining to pray. I can do so much more but I don't. This is the point I'm driving at. I always love to have a platform or someone I can call and vent to. But if I took the time to pray, the outcome may be better and if it were to improve, the end result would be a better world.

I believe the Pope reminds us on this momentous occasion of the 75th anniversary of the apparitions of Mary as Virgin of the Poor "to continue on the path of spiritual renewal and to appreciate that the “precept of charity” spurs us on in a diligent service to others in daily life" (Vatican Radio). The Blessed Mother does that. All our prayer, whether seeking Mary's intercession, the saints, or going directly to God, can help us as we serve people in our daily life. Through our service we become people of love and people of prayer, transforming the world, one deed and prayer at a time.

Prayer to Our Lady of Banneux:
Blessed Virgin of the Poor, look with favor on us, your poor, suffering children. Hear our prayers, and draw us daily to the Living Water.

Sources:
News Article: http://www.oecumene.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=207722

Picture and Prayer: Holy Spirit Interactive